Daniel Materna died peacefully at 12:00 on Wednesday March 22, 2023 in Vancouver General Hospital at the age of 76.
Daniel will be lovingly remembered by his spouse and artistic partner Zuzana Vacek, his beloved son Phillipp Materna, granddaughter Oktavia, and daughter-in-law Viktoria. He will be sadly missed by his brother Georg Materna, niece Carolina, nephew David and sister-in-law Denisa. Daniel’s friends and family in Vancouver, the Czech Republic and elsewhere will remember Daniel for his vivid story-telling, whimsy, unique insights, sardonic humour and for his love of art and music.
Daniel was born in Prague, Czech Republic, to Daniel and Ella Materna (née Asenbrennerova). He studied ceramics in Bechyně, Czech Republic where he founded his life long friendship with Daniel Sodoma. Daniel immigrated to Canada from the Czech Republic in 1968. Soon after Daniel established his ceramics practice which remained his life’s profession and passion. He met Zuzana in 1982 and together they opened their ceramic studio and retail space on Granville Island. Zuzy’s hand painted finishes on Daniel’s ceramic earthenware and sculptures symbolised Daniel and Zuzy’s partnership in love, life and in art. Their studio was a fixture on Granville Island for nearly 40 years and was where Phillipp’s artistic hand was also honed. Daniel’s ceramic talents and imagination are memorialised in the homes of his family and friends through his pottery but his true legacy lives on through the friendships he forged and the family he founded.
Daniel died much too soon, but his death was dignified and on his own terms. He passed holding the hands of his loved ones, listening to music that evoked sweet memories. In accordance with Daniel’s wishes, no funeral will be held. A small gathering was hosted March 26, 2023 at the family home in Kitsilano to share memories of Daniel and condolences with his immediate family. His cremated remains will be returned to the Czech Republic and laid to rest in cherished locations.
Thank you to everyone who supported Daniel, Zuzy and Phillipp in the last days of Daniel’s life. Thank you, Lida, and to all of Zuzy’s family for your presence and support whilst grieving your own loss of Pavel (Zuzy’s father), who died just two days after Daniel. Thank you, Dr. Jayaraman for your guidance. Thank you to those who helped care for Oktavia. Thank you, Martina, for your help with the memorial. Thank you to everyone who has called, sent flowers, visited, or sent messages. Your loving support is deeply appreciated and will not soon be forgotten.